Republican leader Donald Trump took charge as the 47th US president on Monday, January 20, becoming the second to ever hold the office for two nonconsecutive terms. The inauguration and swearing-in ceremony took place inside the US Capitol building at 12:00 pm ET (10:30 pm IST).
Setting the tone for his term, Trump has already signed a number of executive orders on crucial matters, within hours of becoming president, including immigration, environment and refugees. Here are some of the major actions taken as per various media reports:
Birthright citizenship: Trump is looking to end the automatic birthright citizenship for children of non-permanent residents. The US Constitution provides for guaranteed citizenship to anyone born in the US.
January 2021 pardons: Donald Trump pardoned 1,500 individuals who were responsible for the US Capitol riot that took place on January 6, 2021. The order requires the US Attorney General to drop pending cases related to the incident. This action also cuts the sentences of 14 people belonging to far-right organisations.
Refugees: Trump has suspended the US Refugee Admission Programme temporarily, for the next six months, pending a review to determine whether the program has any implications for public safety and national security. He also promised to reinstate the policy which forced asylum seekers to ‘Remain in Mexico’.
Border emergency: Trump declared an emergency at the southern US border, the US-Mexico border, which allows for troops to be deployed there aimed to address immigration.
Paris Agreement: US President Donald Trump signed the country’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement which threatens the goal set to limit global warming (temperature rise) to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Scientists believe that every 0.1°C increase in temperature puts the planet at greater risk causing longer heatwaves and more intense wildfires.
WHO withdrawal: Trump signed the order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The US will exit the WHO in 12 months and pause all of its financial contributions to the organisation, which is crucial as the country is WHO’s biggest financial donor.
Genders: The incoming US president Trump signed an order that removes ‘gender ideology guidance’ from all federal government policies and communication.
Electric vehicle targets: Trump revoked the green order signed by Biden focused on making at least half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 electric and eco-friendly. He also promised to remove the auto pollution standards made by the Biden administration last year.
Work from office: Trump has mandated work from office policy for all federal employees, ending work-from-home privileges.
Hiring freeze: Donald Trump has put a hiring freeze for federal employees, except in key areas like national security.
TikTok ban pause: Trump has paused the ban placed on the social media application TikTok for at least 75 days.
National energy emergency: Trump has used emergency powers to increase US energy production, rolling back climate policies. This includes rolling back the drilling restrictions in Alaska.
Many other actions including the reclassification of federal employees and revoking orders by former president Biden were taken by Donald Trump in the first few hours of assuming office as the only convicted felon to become the US president.
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